FREEDOM TRAVEL & AMAWATERWAYS offer the most luxurious, all-inclusive river cruise vacation. Europe’s Rhine and Mosel rivers are famous for their historic destinations and hillside vineyards.

Enjoy a Fully Escorted Tour 3-nights in Paris & Luxury 7-nights AMA Waterways River cruise from Luxembourg to Amsterdam! 

April 4 - 16, 2012

Experience the unforgettable beauty and centuries-old vineyards along two of Europe’s most renowned waterways, the Rhine and Mosel. Begin in Paris, the City of Lights, continue via high-speed train to Luxembourg, where you will board your vessel. Cruise along the steepest vineyards in the world on the Mosel, visiting ancient wine villages and vineyards, enjoying wine tastings along the way. Reaching the Rhine, you will arrive at historic Cologne, visiting the city’s magnificent Cathedral. You will then visit the 2012 Floriade Expo* before concluding your river cruise vacation in vibrant Amsterdam. 

About Floriade 2012:

World Horticultural Expo 5 April to 7 October 2012
- Global spectacle in Limburg
- More than 100 participants
- 5 unique theme worlds
- Experience nature at its best
- A unique event

Included Features:

* Flights from Saint John to Paris and from Amsterdam to Saint John
* 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris, including daily Buffet Breakfast
* 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom
* Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
* Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
* Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
* Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
* Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
* Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
* Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
* Transfer by high-speed TGV train
* Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
* Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
* Services of Professional Cruise Manager
* All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
* All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
* All Taxes
* Escorted by Reay Wallace, Tour Director from Freedom Travel

Price per person, DBL Category E - CA $5599.00 Cat. E - Deluxe outside stateroom with window
Port charges extra CA $150.00 per person

Single price available on request

To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person, USD:

Cat. D, Piano Deck Window US $200.00
Cat. C, Cello Deck French Balcony - on request
Cat. B, Cello Deck French Balcony US $779.00
Cat. A, Violin Deck French Balcony US $879.00

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.
The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

Ship MS AmaDolce:
MS Amadolce features a sleek, upscale décor, highlighted by its own distinctively bold color palette. MS Amadolce also boasts the innovative features and complimentary extras that have garnered accolades for the line since its formation in 2002. Foremost among those features are complimentary Wi-Fi; spacious, 170-square foot standard cabins, with over eighty-two percent boasting French Balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room “Infotainment system,” with complimentary stateroom Internet access; marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities, terry robes and slippers. Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by free-flowing complimentary local wines, and specialty coffees are always available in the main lounge or at meals (and always complimentary). AMAWATERWAYS vessels also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. A professional cruise director accompanies passengers throughout their entire cruise and land experience. And expert local guides conduct complimentary city tours at every destination.

Travel Insurance is not included in the above price.

Itinerary:

 DAY 1, DEPART SAINT JOHN, CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

DAY 3, PARIS
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour. Start with a panoramic overview in which you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. Conclude your tour with a visit to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the “City of Light” on your own. This evening, there is an optional Parisian Cabaret dinner theater excursion. (B)

DAY 4, PARIS
Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. In the alternative, you may choose to join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning, or the optional Montmartre & Illuminations excursion this evening. (B)

DAY 5, PARIS – LUXEMBOURG – EMBARKATION
After checking out of your hotel, you will transfer to the Paris Est train station to board a high-speed TGV train bound for Metz. You’ll have free time in Metz to have lunch on your own. Next, you will travel by motor coach to Luxembourg, where you will enjoy a tour of the capital of the Grand Duchy and have a photo stop at the American Military Cemetery, General Patton’s burial place. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 6, BERNKASTEL
This afternoon, arrive in charming Bernkastel, where you will enjoy a vineyard visit and walking tour. Strategically located in the heart of the Mosel, the town boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Bernkastel features a medieval marketplace and half-timbered homes with steep gables and beautiful town squares with fountains dating back centuries. Above the town stand the ruins of Castle Landshut, the former summer home of the Archbishop of Trier which was destroyed by a fi re in the 17th-century. You will also enjoy wine tasting with a local vintner. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, COCHEM – KOBLENZ
This morning, tour picturesque Cochem, located amidst the steep vineyards and wine villages of the Mosel. You will have your choice of a walking tour and guided visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle, featuring spectacular views of the Mosel. In the alternative, you may choose to participate in a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This evening, cruise to Koblenz. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, KOBLENZ – MAINZ
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz, a historic wine-producing town on the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine. See the Four Towers, the Church of Our Lady and hear the story behind the Schängel Fountain and City Hall. This afternoon continue cruising on the Rhine River, where you will see the stunning beauty of the Rhine castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock as we sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge. The ship moors overnight in Mainz. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, MAINZ OR HEIDELBERG – RÜDESHEIM
Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible. See Mainz’s Old Town, with its narrow streets, Baroque churches and half-timbered houses. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim, where you will enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. In the alternative, you may choose a full day excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Your excursion includes a walking tour of Old Heidelberg. The city is divided by the Neckar River, with the old town on one side and the new town on the other, connected by the Old Stone Bridge. This evening, all passengers have the opportunity to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This historic museum houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th-20th centuries. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, COLOGNE
Arrive in Cologne this morning, where you will enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and Cathedral Square. You will visit the spectacular 13th-century gothic cathedral whose twin spires are amongst the tallest in Europe. Afterwards, you will have free time to linger in the cathedral, browse the many nearby shops or perhaps enjoy a glass of Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer. This afternoon, take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in vibrant Amsterdam this morning. After breakfast, your tour begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam, in which you will see numerous landmarks, including the Royal Palace and a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill. You will then have free time to explore Dam Square and shop for souvenirs. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, DEPART AMSTERDAM
Your river cruise vacation ends today as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)